Tower Hamlets Wheelers
NEWS RELEASE 4 February 2003
For immediate release
Ref THW02congestioncharge040203
"On your bike - and save a fiver"
Local Cyclists help people in Tower Hamlets avoid the Congestion Charge
The Tower Hamlets Wheelers (1), a branch of the London Cycling Campaign
(LCC), are offering practical help to those who want to avoid the congestion
charge and avoid congestion by choosing to cycle.
Bicycles are exempt from the five pound charge, starting on 17th Febraury,
and the Wheelers would love to hear from drivers in Tower Hamlets who will
resent paying the charge, who are thinking about cycling instead, and who
would like some practical help and advice from experienced local cyclists to
get them started. Anyone interested should email
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk or write to Tower Hamlets Wheelers, 34
Vermeer Court, Rembrandt Close, E14 3XA.
Cycle 'buddies' from the Wheelers will offer to ride along with new cyclists
to boost confidence, offer advice on quiet back-street routes, and even help
with fixing punctures. The group will track the progress of the new
cyclists, noting key problems and successes, in order to inform Tower
Hamlets council and other bodies on how common problems can be overcome and
successes can be duplicated, so that more cycling can be encouraged.
Owen Pearson, Co-ordinator of the Wheelers, says: "Using a bike in London
can save time, save money and improve the rider's health as well as avoiding
the congestion charge. We want to help people who choose to cycle: it's an
enjoyable way to travel and it is possible to carry heavy loads on a bike,
kids on a bike, and you don't have to dress up in fancy clothing either.
Everyone in Tower Hamlets will benefit, because more cycling means less
motor traffic congestion and pollution."
The Wheelers are launching a special 'getting started cycling' page to their
website on Friday 14th February at
http://www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk/start-cycling/ which will have lots
of hints and tips on cycling, with special reference to local facilities in
Tower Hamlets.
Tower Hamlets council is assisting the Wheelers with production of two
special postcards that will be distributed by the Wheelers to households in
the borough and public places such as libraries and cafes. The postcards
will have the two designs (attached) and will include contact details for
the Wheelers.
One of the designs - 'cycles free' (tshirt.jpg - please see note 2 below) is
also a T-shirt available for sale. Proceeds will be used by the Wheelers in
projects to get more people in Tower Hamlets on bicycles - to improve their
health, the environment, and reduce congestion. T-shirt order forms can be
found at http://www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk/cc-tshirt/
Also, as part of the London Cycling Campaign's 'Get a Friend on a Bike'
campaign, members of the Tower Hamlets Wheelers will give out special
cycling starter packs to people who want try cycling, which include a free
map with detailed cycle routes covering the congestion charge zone and Tower
Hamlets; a list of cycling tip; and a 'Cycling is easier than you think'
leaflet.
Members of the public can order free cycle route maps from the LCC website:
http://www.lcc.org.uk. There are 19 maps covering every part of London, each
map includes a separate section covering central London. Visitors to the
site will also be able to download the 'Cycling is easier than you think'
leaflet and other advice on cycling in London.
ENDS
for more information contact Alix Stredwick 07903 606 330 (home: 020 8880
6873)
Notes
(1) The Tower Hamlets Wheelers is the local cycle action group in the east
London Borough of Tower Hamlets, campaigning for better cycling facilities
and encouraging more people to cycle - for health, the environment and for
London. The Wheelers are affiliated to the London Cycling Campaign, the
largest urban cycling campaign in the world.
(2) Explanation of attachments: tshirt.jpg is designed by Steve Collins, a
member of the Wheelers stevecollinsarts@yahoo.co.uk (it is being sent
separately, this evening). P1074-T-shirt-CZ-Idea.jpg is designed by Creative
Zones, a bicycle-friendly design company in Whitechapel
http://www.creativezones.com
Tower Hamlets Wheelers
wheelers@towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
www.towerhamletswheelers.org.uk
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